USS Porter Enters Gulf of Aden, Joins CTF 151

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alex R. Forster, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

GULF OF ADEN (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrived in the Gulf of Aden, April 8, to join with Combined Maritime Forces, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151.

CTF 151, a multi-national, mission-based task force based in Bahrain, conducts counter-piracy operations in the Southern Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Somali Basin, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean.

"This is important work out here," said Cmdr. Martin F. Arriola, USS Porter commanding officer. "The nature of our potential missions here requires Porter to be ready at all times."

Porter will collaborate with the other ships operating under CTF 151 to disrupt and prevent piracy along the shipping lanes, enhancing security and stability in the region.

Three Combined Task Forces Meet in the Gulf of Aden

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Matthew A. Hepburn, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

USS CHOSIN, At Sea (NNS) -- Three commanders of counterpiracy task forces met Nov. 21 to discuss future efforts and to welcome their newest member.

Rear Adm. Scott Sanders, commander, Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, transferred from USS Chosin (CG 65), flagship of CTF 151, on an APECS II Lynx helicopter (Mk 95) from the Portuguese frigate Alveras Cabral, to meet with newest member Commodore Jose Pereira de Cunha, NATO commander, Combined Task Force 508 and Commodore Pieter Bindt, force commander of European Naval Force Somalia Combined Task Force 465.

The CTF leaders meet monthly to discuss and coordinate current and future operations off the coast of Somalia.

"There is an extraordinary level of communication and cooperation among all of the nations conducting counterpiracy operations in the Gulf," said Sanders.
"We communicate with each other while underway via electronic means, but to be able to meet and discuss matters in person helps to foster better relations between the task forces."

Since December 2008, more than nine countries have joined with CTF units in order to ensure safety, reduce wastage of assets, and create efficient and effective coverage of the Internationally Recognized Transit Corridor.

"No ship has been successfully pirated in the IRTC that has followed the recommended maritime industry guidelines," said Sanders.

Merchant mariners that have listened to the recommendations and lessons have employed reasonable self-protection measures that discourage or prevent pirates from attempting to take their vessels. These measures have ranged from proactive lookouts, evasive maneuvering, razor wire on deck edges, using charged fire hoses to fend off attackers and employing armed security teams on board.

The presence of coalition Navy vessels in the region demonstrates the international commitment to regional security and stability. To continue to counter and deter piracy successfully, coalition efforts must be complimented by proactive measures by commercial shippers, regional governments, and the international community.

CTF 151 is part of Combined Maritime Forces, a coalition that conducts Maritime Security Operations throughout the Persian Gulf, Indian Ocean, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea to help provide security and stability in the region.

CTF 151 Flagship Marks Deployment Milestone

Guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) conducts normal underway operations as part of Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group. Anzio is on a scheduled deployment in support of Maritime Security Operations (MSO).

By Lt. Cmdr. Corey Barker, Combined Task Force 151 Public Affairs

USS ANZIO, At Sea (NNS) -- The crew aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) took a break in its busy schedule at sea to mark the middle of the ship's deployment in support of counterpiracy operations off the coast of Somalia Aug. 24.

Anzio left its homeport of Norfolk, Va., in May and became the flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 June 28. CTF 151 is a multinational coalition established by the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) in Bahrain to deter, disrupt and suppress piracy activity in the Horn of Africa region.

"Today was an excellent opportunity for the crew to relax and spend the day together with embarked staff and units and just to have some good old fashioned flight deck fun," said Anzio's Executive Officer, Cmdr. Bill Ketcham. "They have been working around the clock for several months now and they deserve this."

The crew enjoyed a holiday routine that included events throughout the day such as a tug-of-war contest, bean-bag toss, pie in the face MWR fundraiser, steel beach picnic, talent show, ice cream social and movies on the flight deck after dark.

"I really enjoyed the tug-of-war contest because it leveled the playing field showing that we are all one team which is a reflection of our daily interaction on watch with each other," said Storekeeper 1st Class Keith Gilbert.

After several months of conducting counterpiracy operations, the crew enjoyed the break.

"It was very nice to relax," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class Justin Morgan. "We work long days, so it is great to get a break from the routine and re-charge our batteries. It was a lot of fun."

Other units embarked aboard Anzio including the Helicopter Squadron Light 48, Det. 7, joint the U.S./UK CTF 151 staff, U.S. Coast Guard legal detachment (LEDET) and the emergency resuscitation surgical team also took time to relax.

Anzio is commanded by Capt. Frank Olmo from Harrington Park, N.J. Olmo assumed command of the Aegis cruiser March 19.

USS Anzio Relieves USS Gettysburg as CTF 151 Flagship

USS Gettysburg CG-64 (US Navy Photo)

USS ANZIO, At Sea (NNS) -- The guided-missile cruiser USS Anzio (CG 68) relieved USS Gettysburg (CG 64) as the flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 June 28.

"Gettysburg did an incredible job serving as our flagship from May 3–June 28," said Turkish Navy Rear Adm. Caner Bener, commander, CTF 151.

"Whatever the situation, whether engaged in the boarding or the safe and secure holding of suspected pirates for 28 days, Gettysburg undertook them all without complaint. The experience Gettysburg and her crew brought to our mission as flagship was a major key to our success in counterpiracy operations over the last couple months."

Gettysburg participated in counterpiracy operations as part of CTF 151 since early April. In less than three months, her crew conducted several boardings, captured 17 suspected pirates and confiscated more than a dozen assault rifles and a number of rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) launchers, RPGs, ladders and grappling hooks suspected in attacks on merchant vessels.

Gettysburg's visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team along with members of the U.S. Coast Guard's Legal Detachment (LEDET) 409 out of Miami, Fla., also captured the first and only pirate mothership taken by coalition forces.

"This has been the first occasion of Turkish flag officer with a multinational staff embarking on a United States ship," said Bener. "Doing so for the purposes of coalition counterpiracy operations has presented a range of unique challenges and was a ground-breaking experience for us all. Gettysburg and her crew made an immeasurable impact on keeping the sea lanes of communication safe. The ship's contributions to counterpiracy operations should serve as a model to all ships to follow."

CTF 151 is a Turkish-led multinational task force established to conduct counterpiracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the CMF area of responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime commerce, enhance maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations.

CTF 151, USS Gettysburg Help Keep Waterways Safe for All

Members of a visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team from the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and U.S. Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 409 respond to a Yemeni dhow that had been drifting at sea for two days due to engine problems. Gettysburg is part of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, a multinational task force established to conduct counter-piracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the CMF area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric L. Beauregard/Released)

By Lt. John Fage, Combined Task Force 151 Public Affairs

USS GETTYSBURG, At Sea (NNS) -- Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 and its flagship, the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG-64), helped keep the sea lines of communication open and waterways clear of criminal activity when they boarded a suspect skiff June 2.

At approximately 11 a.m., members of the Gettysburg's visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team and the U.S. Coast Guard's Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) 91112 inspected a small dhow and its accompanying skiff after it was spotted by a helicopter assigned to Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 46, Detachment 9 while patrolling the Gulf of Aden.

Gettysburg's boarding team found no suspicious materials or pirate paraphernalia aboard the dhow but used the opportunity to speak with the dhow's passengers, letting them know that coalition warships are patrolling the area to keep them safe and out of harm's way.

"Our job as Sailors, no matter what country we are from or what mission we are assigned to, is to protect all people at sea," said Turkish Rear Adm. Caner Bener, commander, CTF 151. "It is our duty and our privilege to keep the world's waterways safe for all those who travel on the sea."

CTF 151 is a Turkish-led multinational task force established to conduct counterpiracy operations under a mission-based mandate throughout the Combined Maritime Forces Area of Responsibility to actively deter, disrupt and suppress piracy in order to protect global maritime security and secure freedom of navigation for the benefit of all nations.

Singapore Navy Joins Counterpiracy CTF 151

From Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brian K. Fromal,Combined Task Force 151 Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- A Singaporean counterpiracy task group joined Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 this week and began conducting operations alongside other Coalition naval forces off the coast of Somalia.

Commanded by Navy Col. Bernard Miranda, the Singaporean task group includes the Landing Ship Tank (LST), RSS Persistence (209), and joins other naval forces currently conducting counterpiracy operations as part of CTF 151.

"Extensive international coordination is the key to maximizing the maritime counterpiracy mission," said Rear Adm. Michelle Howard, commander, CTF 151. "Having Singapore sailing alongside us will strengthen our ability to deter piracy and make the waterways safer for everyone."

The Singapore Navy has operated as part of the Combined Maritime Forces since 2004 and is a longstanding partner and vital coalition member. They have provided support to CTF 158 in the North Arabian Gulf.

Prior to joining CTF-151, Persistence's staff visited the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) to discuss counterpiracy operations.

"We were honored to welcome the crew of Persistence aboard Gettysburg," said Capt. Rich Brown, Gettysburg's commanding officer. "We were excited to pass on our counter-piracy experience and to have them join the CTF 151 team. Persistence is an exceptionally well suited platform for the counterpiracy mission, and we look forward to building on an already strong professional relationship."

CTF 151 is a multinational task force conducting counterpiracy operations to detect and deter piracy in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. The task force was established to create a lawful maritime order and conduct Maritime Security Operations.

USS Boxer Becomes Flagship for CTF 151

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class T.S. Hall, Combined Task Force 151 Public Affairs



USS BOXER, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4), homeported in San Diego, assumed the role as flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 March 8 after arriving in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Operations as part of a regularly-scheduled deployment.

Established in early January, CTF 151's mandate is to deter and disrupt piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea and currently includes naval forces from the United States, United Kingdom, Denmark and Turkey.

"We've had a great deal of success in deterring piracy to this point," said Rear Adm. Terence McKnight, commander, CTF 151. "We've conducted counter-piracy operations on the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17), two guided-missile cruisers -- USS Vella Gulf (CG 72) and USS Monterey (CG 61) -- and now we're going to continue our mission on Boxer, which continues our line of extremely flexible platforms. Boxer has a lot to offer in the fight against piracy."

McKnight said that CTF 151 has coordinated with many nations to help thwart piracy in the region.

"Piracy isn't a problem that affects one or two nations," he said. "It's a problem that affects the whole world and the free flow of commerce in the world's waterways. Piracy requires an international solution."

Capt. Mark Cedrun, Boxer's commanding officer, said the amphibious assault ship provides an exceptional and diverse array of options to commanders in tracking, identifying and deterring piracy at sea.

"We bring unique and very effective tools to the theatre to accomplish any mission or assignment," he said. "Whether it's humanitarian assistance or counter-piracy operations, we're ready."

Boxer's embarked units include the Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 5, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 21 Detachment 3, Naval Beach Group 1, Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 5, ACU 1, Beach Master Unit 1, Fleet Surgical Team 5 and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

The 13th MEU is comprised of Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (Reinforced), Combat Logistics Battalion 13 and Battalion Landing Team 1/1.

Counter-Piracy Operations

Turkey and Singapore are the latest nations to join Combined Task Force 151.

Helo Squadron's Flexibility Supports Counterpiracy Ops

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian Goodwin, Combined Task Force 151

An HH-60H Sea Hawk helicopter attached to the "Tridents" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 3 soars trhough the skies around the Gulf of Aden in support of the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17). San Antonio is the command ship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151, which conducts counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea and was established to create a lawful maritime order and develop security in the maritime environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John K. Hamilton/Released)

USS SAN ANTONIO, At Sea (NNS) -- Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 3, attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), is embarked aboard amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) in support of Combined Task Force (CTF) 151's counterpiracy mission.

HS 3's primary role in CTF 151 operations is to provide aerial support with its HH-60H and SH-60F helicopters, which specialize in combat search and rescue, mobility and logistics.

"We present a show of force when flying above any suspected pirate vessels while the boarding teams track them in the [rigid-hull inflatable boats], and we can definitely provide a rescue platform during the operation as well as a show of firepower," said Cmdr. William Cox, HS 3's executive officer.

San Antonio was chosen as the afloat forward staging base (AFSB) for HS 3 because of the ship's many capabilities. Its hangar bay can house two helicopters with plenty of space for maintenance, and its large flight deck allows the squadron to launch four helicopters at the same time if needed.

HS 3 brought everything they needed for sustainment during the mission, such as parts for the helicopters and optimal manning in logistics.

"We had to decide how many of our Sailors we could bring over to San Antonio from Theodore Roosevelt without taking away all the quality of work we provide on the carrier," added Cox.

HS 3 Sailors are enjoying working alongside San Antonio's crew while supporting CTF 151's counterpiracy mission.

"We've never worked with the Marine Corps and Coast Guard, and it's exciting to be in this atmosphere of working with the international community on San Antonio's first deployment," said Cox.

"My Sailors are great people who do a great job for me every day, and we're just happy to be a part of this event."

San Antonio's Air Department provides HS 3 with the manpower it needs to carry out the various CTF 151 operations.

"We provide safe ground support for the aircraft with directing, landing and refueling," said Senior Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Richard Romious, the air department's leading chief petty officer. "Our handlers make sure the helicopters are chocked and chained to the hangar or flight deck, and our fuels personnel provide quality assurance through our refueling their craft."

San Antonio's crew spent weeks making the necessary changes and configurations to prepare the ship for its current mission. These changes allowed several spaces to be available for use by the various embarked units, including HS 3.

"We have configured several of the ship's spaces so that the equipment and resources available are tailored to the specific missions that the CTF 151 staff, along with the help of San Antonio's personnel, will be planning and executing," said Lt. Cmdr. Sean Kearns, San Antonio's executive officer.

Although three helicopters from the squadron are currently part of CTF 151, the rest of the squadron is still aboard the aircraft carrier supporting maritime security operations and Operation Enduring Freedom in the North Arabian Sea.

San Antonio is the flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151. CTF 151 is a multinational task force conducting counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Red Sea. It was established to create a lawful maritime order and develop security in the maritime environment.

USS San Antonio Serving as CTF-151 Command Ship

The amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17) transits the Gulf of Aden to serve as command ship for Combined Task Force (CTF) 151. The task force conducts counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea and was established to create a lawful maritime order and develop security in the maritime environment. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John K. Hamilton/Released)

New Counter-Piracy Task Force Established

From Commander, Combined Maritime Forces Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- The Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) established Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) Jan. 8 specifically for counter-piracy operations.

Naval ships and assets from more than 20 nations comprise the Combined Maritime Forces. U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Terence "Terry" McKnight has been named the commander of the new task force which will be fully operational by the middle of January.

The CMF created the Maritime Security Patrol Area (MSPA) in the Gulf of Aden in August of 2008 to support international efforts to combat piracy. Coalition efforts included CTF-150 assets patrolling the area with ships and aircraft. However, the charter for CTF-150, established at the outset of Operation Enduring Freedom, was for the conduct of Maritime Security Operations (MSO) in the Gulf of Aden, the Gulf of Oman, the Arabian Sea, Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Operations included the deterrence of destabilizing activities, such as drug smuggling and weapons trafficking.

The establishment of CTF-151 will allow CTF-150 assets to remain focused on those activities, giving CTF-151 the ability to focus solely on the counter-piracy mission.

"Some navies in our coalition did not have the authority to conduct counter-piracy missions," said Vice Adm. Bill Gortney, CMF commander. "The establishment of CTF-151 will allow those nations to operate under the auspices of CTF-150, while allowing other nations to join CTF-151 to support our goal of deterring, disrupting and eventually bringing to justice the maritime criminals involved in piracy events."

Gortney highlighted the reduction in piracy events in the region due to merchant mariners' proactive measures. He also continued to caution that the efforts of coalition and international navies won't solve the problem of piracy.

"The most effective measures we've seen to defeat piracy are non-kinetic and defensive in nature. The merchant ships have been doing a great job stepping up and utilizing these methods to defeat piracy attempts. That's a great first step. But the problem of piracy is and continues to be a problem that begins ashore and is an international problem that requires an international solution. We believe the establishment of CTF-151 is a significant step in the right direction."

CTF 151 is a multinational task force that conducts counter-piracy operations in and around the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and the Red Sea and was established to create a lawful maritime order and develop security in the maritime environment.